Thanks to the economic recession, there has been increasing attention paid to the sustainability of food prices, fresh produce accessibility, quality and safety, production systems and various other aspects of food distribution. But I would like to throw another issue into the boiling pot - that of food commerce. How ethical and sustainable are the current means by which we sell fresh produce to consumers?

In today’s world, it is increasingly evident that we need to review our business practices with an eye towards ensuring - and enhancing - benefits for all. This would be a major step towards building the sorts of communities and economies that will ensure mankind thrives and prospers in the face of dwindling and compromised natural resources.

Happily, due to their nature (albeit with some challenges), this vision happens to be the direct path that markets are on. We are constantly demonstrating our enhancement of, and commitment to, the wellness of all citizens.

Even though, historically, it was employment generation that got large-scale supermarkets into the doors and hearts of local authority decision-makers, these days we are more likely to be reading about job reductions. Unfortunately, in many countries, this trend appears to be escalating as chains lean towards even more labour restrictions - self-service scanner check-outs being one of them.

Markets have always offered good sustainable job opportunities, for traders as well as for small- and medium-sized businesses. Current figures show that European retail markets alone are responsible for the direct employment of more than one million people. By our continued presence, markets have allowed for specialist and niche retail trading. And by bringing people in, they have ensured the survival and prosperity of numerous city centres. Markets have provided and will continue to provide opportunities for growth - in tourism, in the variety and diversity of product for local shoppers, and in support for public regeneration projects and initiatives, to name just a few.

The facts show that markets are vital for healthy local economies and that they have an essential role in ensuring sustained community wellbeing and growth - whether urban or rural. How many players in today’s food sector can make that claim?